Best Charcoal Grills – Buying Guide

A backyard barbecue is as American as apple pie. And while many will say that the grill is only a tool to help you serve a delicious meal, there’s no question that the quality of your “tool” can make or break your party. So, how do you go about buying a grill? With all the choices to be found on the market today, it’s easy to get burned buying the wrong one. That’s why we’re breaking down each type of grill in the market throughout several buying guides. We’ll discuss their pros and cons as well as point out the features that you’ll need to be on the lookout for. In this particular buying guide, we’ll talk about the favorite of many barbecue enthusiasts – the charcoal grill.

Why Charcoal

The Benefits of Using a Charcoal Grill:

Flavor: When it comes to grilling, nothing beats the flavor that comes from the smoke produced by burning charcoal. And this is one of the main reasons why barbecue fanatics tend to favor this type of grill. Now, some may say that you can add flavor to a gas grill’s smoke by adding wood but it’s just not the same. And while this flavor really isn’t a big deal when you’re cooking hot dogs and burgers, it does make itself known when you’re slow roasting chicken, turkey, ribs, and the like. One other thing that adds flavor to your cooking is searing. In order for a really good searing, you’ll need a grill that can deliver a high temperature of 900 0F – something that a charcoal grill can easily do. There are some gas grills that can sometimes reach the range of 500 0F. And there are some gas grills that have sear burners that can deliver the necessary heat for searing. But if you want to be able to do a lot of steaks at once, charcoal is the way to go. Tip: It’s best to use lump charcoal if you want a natural, stronger smoke flavor to your meat.

The ritual:There’s something to be said about preparing your grill with your friends for a lazy Saturday afternoon barbecue. Plus, we’ve all experienced that little thrill you get when playing with fire. Not to mention, it takes a bit of practice to learn the fine art of grilling and smoking perfectly seasoned and seared meat. And the ritual is all part of that learning with a side of fun.

Portability: Most charcoal grills are already equipped with wheels and easily carried by two people onto the back of a truck. Plus, a bag of charcoal really isn’t a hardship to load. Yes, gas grills are portable too. But only those that are sold as such. Bigger sized gas grills aren’t really fit for tailgate parties.

Higher temperature: Compared to standard gas grills that have no infrared burners, charcoal grills burn hotter. And that’s exactly what you need when you’ve got meat on the grill that you want to cook crisp on the outside while the inside remains pink and tender like lamb chops and steaks.

More budget-friendly: In general, charcoal grills don’t come with a lot of moving parts so it’s not as expensive as quality gas grills to buy as well as maintain. You can easily get a quality charcoal grill for under a hundred dollars. For the same reason, charcoal grills last longer. No need to replace your grill or its parts anytime soon.

The Drawbacks of Using a Charcoal Grill:

Safety issues: The risk of starting a fire other than inside your grill is higher with charcoal grills because sparks can fly and coal can fall out of vents, etc. Unlike a gas grill, you can’t put out the fire with a turn of a knob. There’s also a higher chance of flare-ups with a charcoal grill. Both of these can be easily solved by having a squirt gun (for the flare-up) or a fire extinguisher on hand.Messy:Handling charcoal is messy. Cleaning up ash is messy too. Fortunately, these are problems that can easily be solved. Use gloves or a tong to handle the raw charcoal. And when buying a grill, make sure that it has an ashtray that can be pulled out for cleaning.

Temperature control: Obviously, a charcoal grill takes longer to heat than a gas grill. You can’t just light it up with a push of a button or a turn of a knob. Sometimes, lighting up a charcoal grill can be a challenge especially to beginners. Also, it takes a bit longer for the coal to burn its way to the right temperature. Another thing, it’s very difficult to control the temperature of a charcoal grill because of several factors. The temperature of your grill will depend on the type of fuel you use (lump charcoal don’t have the same sizes) and the way you arrange them. The amount of oxygen in and around the grill will also have an effect on the temperature; your grill’s oxygen supply can be affected by how open your vents and lid are and how windy it is. In addition, if you’re doing some slow cooking, you’ll need to monitor your coal and top it off whenever it gets low to ensure that the temperature holds steady. And should you want to lower the temperature, you can’t do it as fast as you’d like.

In comparison, gas grills allow for a set-it-and-forget-it type of grilling. Just set the burners at the right level, make sure that the temperature is where you want it, then go ahead and do whatever you want while your food gets cooked. Turning down the heat isn’t a hardship with a gas grill either because the knob is all you’ll need.

All that being said, with some practice, you can learn how the pros do it – creating several cooking temperatures on your grill by moving your coals to one side, leaving the other side as a not-so-hot zone for indirect heat cooking. In addition, learn how to utilize your top and bottom vents to control the energy of your fire.

Things to consider while Buying a Charcoal Grill

Grill Type

There are several types of charcoal grills that you can choose from. The first is the kettle grill which is the classic, designed to distribute the heat evenly. For those who want a large surface space for cooking (for multiple racks of ribs, etc.), you may want a barrel grill. It looks like a horizontal barrel sliced in half with the top as the lid and the lower half as the chamber that contains the charcoal. Some barrel grills come with a smoke box which allows you to smoke large amounts of meat at a lower temperature for long periods of time. There’s also the kamado or ceramic grill that holds heat and moisture very well, excellent for smoking and roasting. Pellet grills, the newest kid on the grilling block, uses wooden pellets (hence the name) that ignite fast and has a digital controller that lets you set the temperature just like an oven.

Grate Material

Just like with gas grills, the type of grate material your grill has will affect how well your grill cooks and how long it will last. Stainless steel grates are ideal for charcoal grills because of several reasons. One, they’re really easy to clean and maintain. Charcoal is already messy enough so why make life harder? Second, it holds heat pretty well. It’s not as good as cast iron but it gets the job done. Cast iron, on the other hand, requires a lot of maintenance. Without proper care, it will rust. Third, stainless steel will last a long time and will not rust. However, it will get dark after a couple of cookouts.

Since we’re talking grates, here’s one more tip. Choose thin grates instead of thick ones. Thick grates reduce the amount of radiant heat that touches the meat so it doesn’t cook evenly. Also, thicker grates are heavier to lift when you need to add more coal or move it around. Lastly, thicker grates cost more money. Stainless steel grates are ideal for charcoal grills because of several reasons. One, they’re really easy to clean and maintain. Charcoal is already messy enough so why make life harder? Second, it holds heat pretty well. It’s not as good as cast iron but it gets the job done. Cast iron, on the other hand, requires a lot of maintenance. Without proper care, it will rust. Third, stainless steel will last a long time and will not rust. However, it will get dark after a couple of cookouts. Since we’re talking grates, here’s one more tip. Choose thin grates instead of thick ones. Thick grates reduce the amount of radiant heat that touches the meat so it doesn’t cook evenly. Also, thicker grates are heavier, making it hard to lift when you need to add more coal or move it around. Lastly, thicker grates cost more money.

Temperature Control

It was already mentioned that temperature control is not really easy with charcoal grills and learning how to do so takes quite a bit of practice. That being said, you’ll need to make sure that whatever grill you buy has both top and bottom vents that fit tightly. This allows you to accurately control the amount of oxygen that gets into your grill when you need to lower the temperature. You’ll also need to make sure that your grill comes with a lid that fits tight so the vents are the only way that air can get in or out. Some charcoal grills come with a feature that allows you to adjust how near or how far your coal is to the food. This option also allows you to regulate temperature so keep it in mind when shopping for your grill.

Size of Grill

Whether you’re buying a charcoal grill or a gas grill, size always matters. Bigger is better if you have a large party to feed or if you’d like to be more versatile with your cooking (cooking various types of food at the same time). If you plan to do some cooking using indirect heat, you’ll need enough space for two zones – one side for coal, the other for cooking your meat. You also might want to consider if you want to grill space for side items such as corn. One last factor to consider is the location of your grill. Obviously, it’ll be outside, so make sure that the grill you buy will fit in the space available with around 2 feet of clearance on each side (safety measure).

Easy to Maintain

It’s already been said that using charcoal can get really messy. So make sure that you buy a grill that doesn’t need to be turned over just to get the ash out. A charcoal grill with a removable tray is a good choice.

Easy coal access

In order to add fuel to your fire, you’ll need to be able to easily add coal in your grill. You’ll also need to be able to move coal around to control your temperature. So check to see if the grill you’re buying enables you to do both of these things.

Durability & Safety

If you’re planning to make much use of your grill, you’re going to want to buy one that lasts. Be sure to check what material the grill is made of; two good options are stainless steel and ceramics. Also, check the thickness of the material. You don’t want to end up with a flimsy grill. As an added bonus, a grill made of thicker material will hold the heat better.

Safety

Since you’re literally “playing” with fire on your charcoal grill, safety is an important thing to keep in mind. Make sure that the grill of your choice is very stable even when you wiggle it. You don’t ever want it tipping over while you’ve got a fire going. Also, your grill shouldn’t have sharp edges that might injure you if you bump into it. If you’re buying a grill with a lid, check to see how much space there is between the hood and its handle. You wouldn’t want your hand to get burned if the handle heats up along with the grill. And since a lot of charcoal grills have wheels, you’ll need to check the wheels and its casters. You need to be able to easily move it and keep it locked in place as needed.

Charcoal Grills Reviewed

Char-Griller 2-2424 Table Top Charcoal Grill

$51.49Total Reviews - 656
Review Score - 4.3

If you’re looking for a small table top charcoal grill, then Char-Griller has something right up your alley. This is the ultimate of portable charcoal grilling. It’s made out of heavy steel with 250 square inches of grilling space. There are two adjustable dampers for temperature control, an easily accessible ash pan, and cast iron cooking grates for ensuring that you get the perfect amount of heat for your meat. This little grill is perfect for camping out, tailgate parties, and enjoying a day at the beach. Even newbie grillers won’t have a problem operating this table top grill.

The best thing about this baby is that it can be attached to a Chargriller barrel grill as a firebox for a bit of horizontal smoking. The only downside is that you can’t unattach it once it’s done. Another disadvantage to attaching it to a bigger grill is that the firebox, being so heavy, can make your grill lean a bit on the side. And since it’s heavy, its portability is a bit in question. You’ll have to exert a bit of muscle whenever you take it out somewhere. One other thing that a lot of users have found out is the paint – you’ll need to apply high heat paint because the original one used cracks under high heat.

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Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal

$149.00Total Reviews - 963
Review Score - 4.7

Nothing beats a classic. And that’s what the Weber 14402001 Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is. It has a 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, a 363 square inch cooking area, a plated steel hinged cooking grate, and a One-Touch cleaning system. The grill features a rust-resistant aluminum damper and glass-reinforced nylon handles as well as tool hooks. The handle comes with a shield to protect your hands from the heat. The ash catcher makes cleaning up so much easier. The grill is lightweight so you don’t have any problems moving it around your patio or yard. The hinged grate makes adding coals as easy as pie. And, as with all Weber grills, the construction is first class. But features aren’t everything in a grill. Ultimately, it’s all about performance. And with a Weber, even a first-time griller will excel. Effortless installation. And it’s easy enough for a beginner to start the grill. The grill will reach the right temperature within 15 minutes. Food gets cooked evenly including those thick burgers some of us love. And flavor is always on point. And while the price is a bit higher than others in this category, this grill is something that generations after you will still be able to enjoy.

Weber 441001 Original Kettle 18-Inch Charcoal

$79.00Total Reviews - 360
Review Score - 4.6

Ah, Weber. There ain’t nothing better. This is the Original Kettle grill that’s been around for decades, passed down from generation to generation.

Pros:
Easy to use
Assembly takes about 15 minutes
Easy to maintain
Cleanup is a breeze
Very affordable
Durable construction; known to last for a long time
Even heat distribution
Lightweight; can quickly be moved to and from storage
Removable legs which makes it possible to take with you camping, etc.
Excellent customer service
Comes with a grill guide for beginners

Cons:
No shelves included
Grates are not hinged
Not for big families; only good for 2-4 people at a time
Handle can get hot
Some tall users have found the grill a bit too short

There isn’t any question that Weber is the gold standard of charcoal grills. Most of the cons listed are superficial and has nothing to do with performance. If you want a grill that lasts more than your lifetime, then you definitely want a Weber.

Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Charcoal

$133.25Total Reviews - 185
Review Score - 4.4

Budget grills are a family’s best friend. It can help you feed the masses without breaking the bank. And when it comes to low-priced grills, Char-Griller is the best in the market. If you’re looking for a fairly priced Kamado grill, you won’t be disappointed with Char-Griller’s Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker.

PROS:
– versatile and efficient; can be used for grilling and smoking
– efficient use of charcoal
– gets hot very fast, great at retaining heat
– easy clean up
– no flare ups
– takes up limited space
– can be used for grilling on-the-go
– cooks fast
– can feed 2 to 4 people

CONS:
– heavier than other portable grills
– not easy to install; some users have had problems with fitting the screws
– needs to be put on a table because the grill is small

This Kamado grill is a good starting point if you haven’t the budget or the skill yet to get a Big Green Egg. Or if you just want to bring a Kamado grill with you on your adventures, whether it’s off to the beach, the great outdoors, or to a football game.

Weber 15407001 Performer Premium Charcoal Grill

$349.00Total Reviews - 28
Review Score - 4.8

This Weber Charcoal Grill is much like Weber’s 22-inch Premium Kettle Grill with a whole lot of bells and whistles for the serious outdoor chef. Just like the other Weber, the grill features a 22-inch diameter porcelain-enameled lid and bowl, Gourmet BBQ System plated steel hinged cooking grates with 363 square inches of cooking space, heavy gauge steel charcoal grate, the One-Touch cleaning system, a high capacity ash catcher, lid handle with heat shield, a tuck-away lid holder, and a rust resistant aluminum damper. The bells and whistles are the built-in LED thermometer, a removable backlit LCD cook timer, a weather-protected charbin storage container, a bottom wire rack, a heavy duty steel cart frame, and a painted metal work table. You also get 3 tool hooks, 2 swivel locking casters, 2 durable all weather wheels, and 2 char-basket charcoal fuel holders.

Like any Weber grill, this one performs incredibly well. It is versatile, easy to use, sturdy, and provides you with lots of room for storage and a prep deck for all the food you’re planning on cooking or the ones that are ready to serve. Honestly, there’s nothing negative we can say about this grill except for the price. But you get more than what you pay for with a Weber, right?

Dyna-Glo DGN576SNC-D Dual Zone Premium Charcoal Grill

$283.59Total Reviews - 241
Review Score - 4

This charcoal grill from Dyna-Glo is the perfect addition to any backyard or patio. It features four porcelain-enameled, cast iron grates and 816 square inches of cooking space. The grill also comes with 2 charcoal baskets that are adjustable, a stainless steel lid with double-wall liner, a stainless steel smoke stack with an adjustable flue cap, side vents, heavy duty 8-inch resin wheels, 3-inch locking casters, side shelves, a storage basket, a built-in thermometer, and a bottle opener.

If you need to cook for a huge family or a large group of friends, this grill is the perfect match. It can cook up to 30 burgers at a time. If you want some versatility, the adjustable charcoal baskets allow you to lower or raise the level of heat you bring to your grate. For indirect cooking, this grill performs really well. Clean up is easy because of the removable pan that collects both grease and ash. As for assembly, one person can do it on his own in about 1 ½ hours.

However, there are certain things we found lacking with this particular grill as well. The durability of the grill is not as good as we would have liked. The lid doesn’t close really well so you may have a hard time controlling temperature. And when because it’s stainless steel, it will get dirty and marked very easily.

Pellet grills are the bomb. And Camp Chef’s PG24DLX Deluxe Pellet Grill and Smoker BBQ is one of the best we’ve ever found. This pellet grill has smart digital temperature control and an automatice auger. It has a wide temperature range from 160° F to 500° F. The grill also offers 570 square inches of cooking space – 429 square inches of primary cooking surface and a 144-square inch warming rack. This grill and smoker combo has a hopper capacity of 18 lbs, an ash clean out system, an internal temperature sensor, an internal meat temperature probe, a grease management system, electronic auto ignition, and a side shelf.

Aside from really awesome features, this Camp Chef pellet grill provides an awesome cooking experience. The temperature control is accurate and easy to use. The heat is evenly distributed. The large cooking space can fit two turkeys or three whole chickens. And the flavor? There are no words. Low and slow cooking at its finest.

The only problems we seem to have with this grill are the limited warranty – 1 year – and the fact that the meat probe has been known to fail.

If you want to level up your grilling, you’ll need to upgrade your equipment. And there’s no better way to do so than with a Kamado grill. Specifically, Char-Griller’s 16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker. This little egg is made out of durable steel with triple-walled insulation. It features adjustable top and bottom dampers, an easy dump ash pan, a 133-square inch removable warming rack, a built-in stainless heat gauge, 314-square inch cast iron cooking grates, folding side shelves, a locking lid, and large 8-inch front wheels with locking rear caster.

This kamado grill’s insulated design ensures that the heat stays at your desired temperature. The adjustable dampers ensure you have great airflow and heat control. Raising the temperature is incredibly easy. However, because it retains heat so well, you’ll need a bit of patience when it comes to reducing temperature. Another thing we love about this Kamado grill is the fact that it’s so versatile. You can smoke a brisket, grill a burger, bake a pizza, or cook cobbler, cornbread, pie, etc. The grill is so easy to start (20 minutes or less) and easy to use. And cleaning it is definitely not a bother.

So, what don’t we like? Durability issues. It seems that this baby, which performs incredibly when it comes to cooking delicious food, does not last as long as we would like. For a budget Kamado grill, it works great. We just want it to last a little bit longer than 2 years.

Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D Premium Charcoal Grill

$231.05Total Reviews - 201
Review Score - 3.7

Need an extra large charcoal grill for huge gatherings of family and friends? Dyna-Glo’s DGN576DNC-D Premium Charcoal Grill gives you a total 816-square inch cooking space. With its adjustable charcoal tray, you can raise or lower the coals to cook a variety of foods for your family. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are quick to heat up and helps distribute heat evenly. The steel smoke stack has an adjustable flue which, along which the sliding side dampers, allow for more temperature control. There’s a cast iron and steel access door and sliding cooking grates allow you to easily access the coal whether it’s moving it around or adding more. The removable large capacity ash pan enables you to quickly and easily clean up.

You can move the grill from one end of your patio/backyard to another using the heavy duty resin wheels which come with 3″” locking casters. The side shelves and bottom wire basket provide lots of storage options. And there’s even a bottle opener for your drinking pleasure.

We love that this grill is big but not hard to set up. It’s pretty easy to use; you don’t need to be a master BBQ chef to cook on it. Unfortunately, some of the most recent sales have shown durability issues and air leaks.

Dyna-Glo DGN405SNC-D Heavy Duty Stainless Charcoal Grill

$239.99Total Reviews - 60
Review Score - 3.8

This charcoal grill from Dyna-Glo is a very basic grill. No frills, just exactly what you need for some heavy duty outdoor cooking. It features 2 heavy duty, porcelain-enameled, cast-iron cooking grates that provide you with 405 square inches of cooking space. You also get 163 square inches of secondary cooking space due to a warming rack. The grill also features a stainless steel lid with double wall, an adjustable charcoal tray, storage basket, built-in temperature gauge, steel front access door, side shelves, a front ash tray system, an adjustable front crank arm, stainless steel smoke stack with adjustable flue, and wheels with locking casters.

While there are no bells and whistles, there’s enough features on this grill to give you what you need – deliciously cooked food fit to feed a large group of people. The grates can cook around 12 4-inch burgers at a time. And because it’s cast iron, you know that it heats up quickly, retains heat really well, and cooks food pretty evenly. What we also like about this basic charcoal grill is the adjustable charcoal tray which adds to your cooking flexibility. The steel access door lets you stoke the fire or add more juice to your grill. The removable ash pan makes for an easy cleanup.

There are issues with the design. The wheels do not lock. The ash pan feels flimsy. And for some, the lid doesn’t sit right. Assembly can also be a bit difficult. All in all, however, we think this is a very good grill for its price.

Premium Barbecue Charcoal Grill And Smoker

$239.99Total Reviews -
Review Score -

If you don’t need a full-sized grill but you don’t want something too small either, you’ll need something that straddles the line between the two. And that’s Auténtico’s Charcoal Grill and Smoker. The grill has approximately 357 square inches of primary cooking space – good enough for around 10 burgers – and approximately 183 square inches which will fit around 6 buns. The grill also comes with an adjustable charcoal tray and crank handle which helps you fine-tune how much heat your food will be exposed to, providing you with versatility in cooking. There are two side dampers found on the lid for temperature control, a built-in temperature gauge, two foldable shelves, a slide-out tray, a bottom shelf, and a bottle opener.

For a very basic grill, this will provide you with exactly what you need for your basic BBQ – burgers, brats, and steaks. It’s very durable and will last through several years of use. It’s pretty easy to use. And there’s loads of storage options during and after cooking. The only thing negative is the assembly. The instructions could be clearer. And you will need to take your time setting it up. But once you’re done, you can get that grill crackin’.

There’s no question that a charcoal grill produces great flavor. And it can be used to cook deliciously smoked meat. But for the juiciest, highest quality smoked meals, you will need a smoker. But not everyone has space for two pieces of equipment, right? So, get the next best thing. The Rison®48″ Backyard BBQ Grill Charcoal Barbecue Cooker Offset Smoker Combo With Wheels is a barrel grill that has an additional smoker firebox attached to the side. In fact, it resembles a horizontal offset smoker. The barrel grill serves as the main grill that can be used for basic grilling needs – burgers, steaks, and hotdogs – and is the cooking chamber for smoked meats such as ribs, pulled pork, and bacon. The smoker side firebox is where you’ll place your charcoal. It features a side vent for air flow control. This grill-smoker combo also features a chimney, analog thermometer on the lid, two 6″ plastic wheels, two wooden shelves on the side and front, a metal shelf at the bottom, and wooden handles. Now, we love that you they’re trying to give you the best of both worlds with this baby and at a fraction of the price. But you’ll need to take into consideration that smoke and heat move upwards, not sideways so the part of the cooking chamber nearer to the firebox will be the hottest. Even heat distribution and tight/sealing doors and vents are a necessity if you want to get the best results. And at this price, that might not be the case.

Char-Griller 1515 Patio Pro Charcoal Grill

For a small charcoal grill, the Char-Griller Patio Pro is worth more than what you paid for. It has a reputation of lasting several years despite frequent cookouts. If you have a small backyard and a small family, the Patio Pro is definitely something you should consider. While it’s not perfect, the results will show that owning one is totally worth it.

Char-Broil Kettleman TRU-Infrared 22.5″ Charcoal Grill

$63.69Total Reviews - 179
Review Score - 4.5

Charcoal grills aren’t known for cooking via infrared radiant heat; it’s usually a combination of convection heat (hot air) and conductive heat (hot cooking grate) that does the job. But Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared design changes all that. With this grill, you get a no-fall-through cooking grate that provides concentrated radiant heat with little exposure to the burning charcoal below. This means that you get evenly cooked meat that’s moister that those cooked in traditional charcoal grills. This innovative grate also ensures that you prevent flare-ups and hot spots around your grill. Even better, small foods like veggies and shrimps are at no risk of falling into the burning charcoal.

While the Kettleman isn’t a right match to Weber’s Premium 22” Kettle, it can certainly deliver beautifully cooked meals which are most people eager to taste. It’s very easy to use even for novices. For a grill at its price range, you definitely get more bang for your buck.

Napoleon NK22CK-L-1 Charcoal Kettle Grill

$203.52Total Reviews - 2
Review Score - 2.2

If charcoal is your thing and you’d like an alternative to Weber’s classic Kettle, then you should check out Napoleon’s NK22CK-L Charcoal Kettle Grill. There are definite similarities between the two. Like the Weber, the 22.5-inch Napoleon has an adjustable, hinged, chrome-plated steel rod cooking grid (365 square inches of cooking space) that allows you to place the grid at three different heights and add more charcoal to the grill without moving the food. It also has air vents on the lid and at the bottom of the grill for precise temperature control. The Napoleon also comes with a temperature gauge on the lid and a detachable ash catcher. So, what’s the difference? Two things. The CK-L has a fourth leg which was added for stability. It also has a convex, stainless steel heat diffuser (which looks like a flying saucer).

Coleman Standup Charcoal Grill

Total Reviews - 1
Review Score - 4

If you want to go really old school with your charcoal grill, how about cooking over an open flame with no lid? You get to control the heat by lowering or raising the adjustable grill surface. But airflow? There’s no way to control that. I’d say this one would require some hardcore grilling skills. Aside from no lid, what else should you expect from this charcoal grill?

It is charcoal after all so you get to enjoy lighting a fire, the delicious smoky flavor in your food, and you can even get really good searing done, I imagine. You also get the benefit of easy ash removal since you get a slide-out tray.

The verdict? You might be better off with just a grill pan over your stove. Better chance of getting things right the first time around. But if you love charcoal grilling and absolutely adore a challenge, then this might be the grill you’re looking for.

PK Grills, Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

$369.99Total Reviews - 211
Review Score - 4.7

Nobody builds them like they used to… unless we’re talking about PK Grills. A throwback to the 1950s, the PK (Portable Kitchen) Grill still has that retro-cool appearance with its rectangularly shaped lid and body made out of the thick cast aluminum. The cart is also made of aluminum. The aluminum ensures that heat is retained and radiated throughout the entire the grill. The hinged lid ensures that the grill is closed up tight so no air escapes unless you make use of the two dampers on top or the two dampers below. Which brings us to how versatile this grill is. Because of the flat bottom and the presence of those four dampers, you can use this grill for cooking over direct heat and indirect heat at the same time. You can also use the grill as a smoker. And the best part? This baby was built to last forever.

Coleman Roadtrip Grill LXE

$127.99Total Reviews - 4677
Review Score - 4.3

This is probably one of the best portable gas grills that Coleman has to offer. The Coleman Roadtrip Grill LXE is a 2-burner propane gas grill that is attached to a collapsible stand with two wheels. At 41 pounds (with the stand), it isn’t difficult to haul it to and from an outdoor party. And there’s a lot more going for it than just that.

One thing that is a bit off-putting about this grill is that the weight is a bit heavy for lifting – like bringing it out of the trunk of your car. It’s also a bit awkward to carry. But once you get past that, it’s rollin’ rollin’ rollin’. Another drawback is that you’ll need to practice a bit to get the temperature right for cooking because the grill can get really hot. It’s best to start out with the lowest setting until you learn how fast your grill can cook.

Coleman did a great job in balancing quality and price with this particular grill. For under $200, you get a really versatile grill that beautifully cooks your food quick and easy. There might be a learning curve but so do a lot of other grills. The portability of this grill is high so you get to enjoy a good BBQ anytime, anywhere. Road tripping is at its finest with the LXE.

Dyna-Glo Heavy-Duty Compact Charcoal Grill

Total Reviews - 60
Review Score - 3.8

This compact charcoal grill is a very basic grill with a couple of awesome features. While it’s not as durable as a Weber (at least we don’t think so), this Dyna-Glo grill does offer some things that you don’t always find in Weber grills such as an adjustable charcoal tray and side vents.

For its price (which can get incredibly lower depending on which store you buy it from), this charcoal grill is definitely worth the price. It does a good job of producing decently cooked grilled meals and does so with less of a hassle than a lot of charcoal grills in the market today.

Primo Oval Junior

$870.00

If you’re going ceramic and you want small, the Primo Oval Junior may be right up your alley. There are loads of things to love about it with just a few things that we don’t like.

While the size is certainly perfect for those who have a small backyard, however, it may be too small for those who love to cook for large parties. The primary cooking surface can only accommodate around 10 burgers at a time.

The Primo Oval Junior does cost a lot, especially for beginner backyard chefs. But the investment would be totally worth it if you want a grill and smoker combo for your BBQ needs.

Luxor 30” Charcoal Grill on Cart

$3,599.00

There’s no question that Luxor charcoal grills are high-end grills. The price alone is enough of a clue. But there’s a reason why the grills are so expensive.

The Luxor Charcoal 30 is a very big investment. It’s built well and definitely looks stylish with its polished edges. If you’re thinking about creating an outdoor chef’s paradise with a large, stylish grill that can beautifully cook burgers and steaks for you and your family and friends AND money is no object, then this one should definitely be your top choice.

Weber Original Kettle Premium 22″ Charcoal Grill – Review

$149.00Total Reviews - 963
Review Score - 4.7

This is probably the most popular outdoor grill ever. The design is still the same one that we’ve all grown familiar with while we were growing up – the iconic kettle. It just has a few added features to make it extra nice. Originally introduced in 1952, the Weber Kettle is well-loved by many a griller simply because of its excellent grilling performance (on anything, from meat to fish and veggies), simplistic design, and its ability to last forever, creating memories that are passed on from one generation to another. In fact, the start of outdoor grilling as an American pastime is often associated with the invention of this particular grill. Decades later, it’s still the number one choice for people who love to hold backyard barbecues.

Now, to the best part. We’ve already mentioned that the grill can cook anything beautifully. And it’s certainly true. With the Weber Kettle, you can use the entire grill for hot dogs and burgers or set up 2-zone cooking for grilling and searing steaks, etc. You can also perform some delicate grilling with fish. With some practice, this particular grill is able produce delicious smoked meat.

Kingsford 24″ Charcoal Grill

$103.53Total Reviews - 37
Review Score - 4.1

This is a pretty decent grill manufactured by Masterbuilt in China and sold under the Kingsford brand. The grill comes with a cast iron cooking grate that has 360 square inches of cooking space. The warming rack is 205 square inches. The steel lid has a high temperature black paint finish and adjustable vents. The firebox also has adjustable side vents. The grill has a foldable side shelf with tool hooks, two wheels, and an attached bottle opener. There’s a door that enables you to add charcoal to the firebox while you’re cooking and the coal tray can be raised higher or lower, depending on how much heat you want on your meat. For cleanup, the removable ash tray is quite easy to use – just pull it out and dump the ash. The grill also comes with a temperature gauge.

Char-Broil CB940X 08301390-26 Charcoal Grill

Total Reviews - 67
Review Score - 3.9

Cooking for a large family isn’t a hardship if you’ve got one of Char-Broil’s CB940X Charcoal Grill. This large-capacity grill has porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates, a chrome-plated swingaway, a front door in the firebox that enables you to add more charcoal without lifting the lid, two large wooden side shelves for added workspace, two adjustable air vents for temp control, and a removable ash tray for easy cleaning. This big ass grill has 435 square inches of primary cooking space and 180 square inches of secondary cooking space. To increase the grill’s versatility, the charcoal tray’s height is adjustable. You can raise it up, just under your meat to quickly sear your food. You can also drop it all the way to the bottom when you want to smoke or slowly roast your meat. The only problem with it is durability. Expect the CB940X to only last a few years before you’re back in the market for a new one.

Kingsford 32″ Charcoal Grill

Total Reviews - 15
Review Score - 4.1

The Kingsford 24″ Charcoal Grill has a big brother – the 32″ Charcoal Grill. The features all remain the same except for the size and the addition of one more foldable steel side shelf. With this grill, you get 495 square inches of primary cooking space on the cast iron grate and 273 square inches on the warming rack. The cart has a powder coating, a bottle opener, and a rack on the bottom for extra storage. The two foldable side shelves have tool hooks. For airflow, you get adjustable side vents on both the lid and the firebox. The firebox has an access door for the charcoal, a removable ash pan, and an adjustable coal grate.

Overall, this is a great grill sold at a very low price. Other grills of this size generally cost a hundred dollars more. It grills and smokes meat to perfection. Controlling the heat is very easy due to the adjustable side vents and the fact that the lid closes real tight. The grill is also very sturdy with some small exceptions. However, it needs a bit of TLC to ensure that the grill lives to serve you for a long time. While it’s definitely not a Weber, this grill gives you great value for your money. If you want a charcoal grill that gives you a lot of joy with only a small amount of frustration at a very affordable price, you should visit your local Walmart to check this one out.

Weber 15502001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

$399.00Total Reviews - 180
Review Score - 4.4

If you want more bells and whistles in your charcoal grill, then the Weber Performer Deluxe 22″ Charcoal Grill is what you’re looking for. This grill has a 22-inch diameter porcelain powder-coated steel lid and fire bowl with 363 square inches of cooking surface provided by Weber’s Gourmet BBQ System cooking grates. These innovative, heavy-duty grates are hinged, allowing you to easily replenish coal. They also feature a removable insert that can be replaced with Weber’s cookware collection such as a pizza stone, wok, or griddle. Another feature is the Touch-N-Go gas ignition system that fires up your grill with just a touch of a button. The cart is made of heavy duty steel and includes a bottom wire rack for additional storage as well as a tuck away lid holder on the side. An enclosed ash catcher is attached to the bottom of the firebowl, ensuring that all ashes are collected properly, not blowing in the wind. With the Performer Deluxe, you really have it all.

Kingsford 30″ Barrel Grill

$159.00Total Reviews - 116
Review Score - 4

If you’re looking for something bigger, Kingsford offers a 30″ barrel grill that’s perfect for feeding your hungry horde. With a porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grate that’s 793 square inches, you can cook 24 burgers at once. The heavy duty grill also has an oversized analog thermometer, a wire rack for storage (at the bottom), adjustable side vents, a chimney, wheels, an adjustable coal tray, and a removable ash tray.

It’s easy to find complaints about this grill such as the fact that the grill doesn’t seal tight. However, for a grill of this size and design, there’s no question that you’re getting a great deal at its current price. You get a nice charcoal grill that can cook loads of food at a time. You don’t have a hard time cleaning the grill and controlling the temp may be a tad difficult but not frustrating. While the metal isn’t thick, it looks and feels quite sturdy so you don’t have to worry about replacing this grill for something else next year.

Napoleon PRO605CSS Mirage Charcoal Grill with Rear Burner

$1,299.00Total Reviews - 11
Review Score - 3.4

The Napoleon Professional Charcoal Grill is an impressive piece of equipment for several reasons. The entire grill is stainless steel including the cart. You get heavy cast iron grates that give you 605-square inches of primary cooking space. The firebox has a front door for easy access to the coal, whether you’re adding more or cleaning out the ash. You also get an adjustable charcoal bed with six height options. The most impressive feature of this grill is the charcoal-powered rotisserie burner (rotisserie kit sold separately). While there are loads of great features on this grill, there is one inherent flaw. Because of the gas grill body design, there’s a bit of a problem with controlling airflow. Even when all the vents are closed, you still have enough oxygen to keep the fire going. You’ll not only be going through more charcoal than you’re willing to use, you’ll also be wasting it by waiting for the fire to burn itself out.

Weber 14501001 Master-Touch Charcoal Grill

$199.00Total Reviews - 155
Review Score - 4.6

The Master-Touch is basically an Original Kettle grill with all the accessories and features that Weber can put in a charcoal grill. In addition to the usual, you also get Weber’s Gourmet BBQ system which is a hinged plated steel grate (to make adding coal easy) with a round center grate that can be replaced with some of Weber’s cookware accessories such as the pizza stone, wok, and griddle. Please note that these accessories are all sold separately. Other upgrades include a glass-reinforced nylon lid handle with heat shield for protection, tool hooks integrated on the side handle, two char-baskets for creating direct and indirect cooking zones, an enclosed ash catcher that’s easily detached for cleaning, and a tuck-away lid holder. If you want a grill that does more than just basic grilling, then the versatility of the Master-Touch is exactly what you’re looking for.

Weber 1211001 Jumbo Joe 18-Inch Portable Grill

$59.99Total Reviews - 620
Review Score - 4.7

If only you could take your Weber Kettle with you wherever you go… Oh, wait. You can! The Jumbo Joe is the portable version of the 18.5-inch classic kettle. It has the same 240 square inches of cooking space, a nickel-plated steel cooking grate, a porcelain-coated steel lid and body, a glass-reinforced nylon handle, an ash pan, a top and bottom vent, and three legs (although these are much, much shorter). The Jumbo Joe also comes with a locking bar to keep the lid in place while you transport it to and from your vehicle. In short, you get all the great things you love about the Original Kettle in a portable container. Any drawbacks? Only two. One, the ash pan isn’t enclosed so expect ash to get blown around. And two, there is limited clearance under the lid so don’t expect to be cooking a whole chicken in there.

Hopefully, our charcoal buying guide will help you to make the right decision while choosing the perfect grill for tasty future meals you’re going to cook. At least it’ll narrow down your search even more, and you’ll not find you lost in the diversity of charcoal grills.

Lodge L410 Pre-Seasoned Sportsman’s Charcoal Grill

This top-of-the-line hibachi-style grill from Lodge is a man’s real best friend whenever he’s camping, at cookouts, or attending tailgate parties. It will allow you to cook delicious burgers, steaks, hotdogs, and whatever else your tummy desires, wherever your travels take you.

The entire grill is 19 by by 10 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches big. It is completely made out of durable cast iron. The cooking grate, as the name already suggests, is already pre-seasoned and provides you with 114 square inches of cooking space. The grate can be adjusted – 2 different heights for more versatile cooking. There’s a sliding damper at the bottom and a flip-down door that gives you access to the coals. There’s also a wire bail handle.

There’s a lot to love about this grill. It’s small enough to bring to a cookout but it’s big enough to fit 7 burgers at a time. Because it is cast iron, it heats up pretty fast so cooking time is definitely shorter. The heat is evenly distributed – no cold spots at all. And the slits on the grate are quite narrow so your food won’t be slipping through.

What we don’t love about this grill is that it’s pretty heavy and awkward to carry from point A to point B, even with the handle. Also, the entire grill from the handle to its legs can get really hot and can stay that way for a long time. [/vc_column_text]

Aicok Portable Smokeless Charcoal Grill, BBQ

Total Reviews - 18
Review Score - 4.8

If you love the flavor of charcoal but want something that requires little to no effort on your part when using, then you might be interested in checking this baby out. The Aicok Portable Smokeless Charcoal grill is 12.6 x 8.6 x 12.6 inches in size and features a removable cast iron grill plate, a large capacity charcoal box, a fuel pan, a metal body, and an adjustable battery operated fan.

It’s easy to assemble and incredibly easy to use. It’s very portable because it’s small, lightweight, and comes with its very own case. What about performance? Because of the fan, the coals light up quickly and the grill reaches the desired temperature in five minutes. You get even heat distribution so you don’t have to worry about uneven cooking. And the outside of the grill never gets hot.

However, there are some things you should note. It isn’t really that “”smokeless”” so avoid using indoors. Also, some users found it easy to clean while others didn’t. It’s the perfect grill for 2-4 people but not for larger groups. You can’t use 1.2V rechargeable batteries with the grill because it requires 1.5V. And the inner bowl can’t be taken out for cleaning. You’ll need to place the entire grill (sans the fan and battery box) in the dishwasher for cleaning.